There are always firsts when you become a gardener – the first time you grow lettuce, or peas, or a zucchini; the first time you save seeds, start plants from seed, or build a compost pile. As far as I can remember, this is the first year that I have had plants in my outdoor garden yielding up until now. It’s due to a variety of factors, of course, most notably a changing climate, mild fall, and zero snow cover.
I can’t say that these are positive developments but as a gardener you have to learn to adapt to change. This is, hands down, one of the more important lessons as a grower and fundamental to our resilience.
In my video today, I talk about some of the annual plants and perennial herbs in my outdoor garden that are continuing to yield. Even with our mild fall, these plants have withstood snowstorms and temperatures well below freezing.
As cold climate gardeners, we are constantly looking for strategies that will help extend our growing season for as long as possible. Between choosing cold hardy plants, to using protection like frost cloths, blankets or cold frames, to taking advantage of microclimates, there are several strategies for adding days or even weeks to our growing season. So click above to learn what plants are still growing outside at the end of November!